Customer Reviews

Collected Works of the Roches

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The title of this collection is misleading; it should be called SELECTED Works of the Roches since this is a sampling not a gathering of everything they recorded. But that's my only gripe with this wonderful compilation, which, unlike most such projects, really does offer the best of the best, and which should please both those new to the group and longtime fans as well. The songs are culled from 6 studio albums from 1979 to 1992, from their debut The Roches through A Dove, and are ordered chronologically. (Not represented here: 1986 EP No Trespassing, 1990 Christmas album We Three Kings, 1994 children's album Will You Be My Friend, and their final - and weakest - album 1995's Can We Go Home Now.) Many of their best songs really are here - Hammond Song, Mr. Sellack, One Season, Losing True, Another World, Love to See You, A Dove. Two of their best albums are the most heavily represented here, with 5 songs from their their debut and 4 from 1982's Keep On Doing. It's nice to see that the greatly underappreciated (and now out of print) Another World also is represented with four songs. In case you're wondering, there is only one previously unreleased selection -- a live version of the great Married Men, which gives a sense of how brilliant these sisters were in person. In an ideal world, Rhino would next release a entire concert album.

Buy this CD and take a trip through some of the most original tunes, best harmonies, eclectic stylings, and moving lyrics that you will experience. One of my favorite groups, I have all the Roches CD's including some recent solo efforts, and this compilation gives a good representation, heavier on some of the early works but rightly so. It's impossible to cull all the best efforts ( some that are missing, "Bobby's Song", "Quitting", "Speak", "Merciful God", "Factory Girl") but this presents some highlights. This is music that transcends the passing fads and one-hit wonders so prevalent today...music which has stood the test of the last 10-20+ years and continues to stay near the top of my play list. Enjoy...

The Roches are ultra talented, excellent musicians, stunning vocalists, wonderful songwriters and a very interesting and rich band. However, they are probably not for everyone. Do not evaluate them by 30 second samples on this web site b/c their songs have drama and substance and they need to develop over their proper timespan.

This is whimsical folk, beautiful melodies and heartfelt harmonies. This is nothing to rock out to although the musicianship is on par with anything that is out there.

The Roches are for people that enjoy beauty.

"Love Radiates" could melt the coldest heart. It is such a terrific and beautiful melody.

I saw them live (circa 1995) and they were tremedous. The vocals and musicianship are not the results of studio tricks. Their "Hallelujua chorus" is the equivalent to listening to Hendrix. It was a sight to be seen.

As you can see, I love the Roches. This is an excellent representative of their best songs. The 3 part harmonies, raw accoustic guitar, Robert Fripp infused guitar, its all there. This is the cream of their work.

If you go to their website, their participation in music is so earnest. If you want an autographed glossy of them, just e-mail and ask and you shall receive.

I wish they were still together and wish they toured outside of the northeast.

The Roches have always been the critics darlings and they absolutely deserved their praise!

Their best works are the Robert Fripp produced works, "The Roches and "Keep on Doing".

Although it's impossible to include all the gems of the Roches' music in one collection, this is a fine example of one of the greatest sister singing acts I know. Their harmonies soar, the lyrics bend around the phrasing, and they are at once mischievous and poignant. While there is no comparison to a live experience, these highlights give a flavor of what this unique group is all about. Who else can pass off a hip a capella version of the "Hallelujah Chorus" and have an audience spellbound? (They even did this on the original 'Saturday Night Live') While a bit biased as I was in school with one of the sisters, I think their work stands on its own merit. I am happily seeing them again in concert next weekend and look forward to the richness of their music. If you ever get the chance to see them, don't pass up the opportunity. At the least, buy their albums and get ready for a real treat.

I first heard the Roches on Saturday Night Live in the 70's doing the Halleluiah Chorus. I was a little boy then, but it implanted itself in my memory forever. Now, as a 33 year old Daddy and Husband, I find that the vocal harmonies and unique nuances of their well blended voices still brings a chill down my spine. Excellent! Even if you only buy it for this one track, it will be well worth your money!

My introduction to The Roches was an article in the local paper; intrigued I checked them out on Amazon.com and heard enough to want more. This CD is an outstanding choice to represent them in your collection. The nineteen tracks not only span their carrier but also contain some of their best work.

This is Folk and/or Harmony and/or comedy and/or serious music. I am not sure if it is one or all of the above. I know in a world of cookie cutter sounds, this group is unique and real fun. The Hallelujah Chorus needs to be heard to be appreciated; it is a centerpiece and a great one. However, this track is not the "normal sound". Mr. Sellack, Hammond Song seems to be their sound. Until they change for The Troubles, which is another sound altogether. My point being that this is an interesting CD with multiple sounds, great songs and no small amount of surprises. Be sure to listen to the lyrics, they are as much fun as the music.

Essential because of gems such as "Losing True" and "Hammond Song" (oh, and "Want Not", "Hallelujah Chorus", "Jerks on the Loose"...), but uneven because of some of the jokey, novelty songs. Also, dated-sounding production with so much synthesizer. But the Robert Fripp guitar adds so much, and is still lovely after all these years. Nothing like the Roches for harmony, and touching/funny stories about negotiating youth and young adulthood.

Very pleased with this purchase. Was looking for Hallelujah Chorus and this is the only place I found it. However, the other songs are the best of the rest. I could sing along with these ladies forever.

As harmoniously clever as i remembered with that sensation of angels ala Fripp ... Wow ... These girls have it ...

This recording didn't compare to the original Roches done in the 90's. It sounded manipulated by electronics. Also we hoped to hear more of the songs done in the first one.